Aikins scores winner as Roadrunners post 4-3 win over Salmon Kings

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Aikins scores winner as Roadrunners post 4-3 win over Salmon Kings

Brett Smith gave the Roadrunners a 1-0 lead at the first intermission when he banked a shot over the shoulder of Salmon Kings goalie Julien Ellis and off of the cross-bar for a power-play goal with 22 seconds remaining in the period.

Darryl Lloyd replied with a man-advantage goal for Victoria (9-12-0-1) nearly six minutes into the second period. From the far corner, Mike Stutzel fed the puck to a streaking Lloyd who lifted a backhanded shot over RoadRunners' goaltender Cody Rudkowsky.

Phoenix regained the lead with 1:55 remaining in the frame as Jeff Kyrzakos counted his third goal of the season after jamming a loose puck by Ellis.

Steve Lingren tied the match for the Kings after tipping the puck over Rudkowsky 5:42 into the third period.

Aikins responded less than four minutes later, collecting his own rebound in front of the net and stuffing it home to give the RoadRunners a 3-2 lead that they would not relinquish.

Scott May sealed the win at 17:03 with a slap shot from the right-wing circle that beat Ellis on glove side.

Ellis ended up blocking 50 shots in a losing cause, while Rudkowsky made 23 saves for the Roadrunners.

Phoenix scored once on six power-play chances and Victoria converted one of their four opportunities.